From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Daley Jones on Sport, Shame, and Self-Acceptance
Introduction
Daley Jones – Detective Constable in the Metropolitan Police, football enthusiast, runner, and founder of the ADHD Alliance – was diagnosed with combined ADHD at the age of 36 and Dyspraxia at 37. Since then, he has been committed not only to understanding his own neurodivergence, but also to using his lived experience to drive meaningful change across the Metropolitan Police, the wider policing community, and beyond.
Daley is known for his openness, thoughtfulness, and ability to communicate complex experiences with honesty and impact. His energy and storytelling make him highly relatable, and he does not shy away from addressing the more difficult realities of late diagnosis—including the shame, frustration, and fear that can come from a lifetime of misunderstood difference.
In his interview, Daley spoke with both humour and candour. He described “looking like a drunk Tigger” as a 6’5” man with Dyspraxia, and reflected on how shame and self-doubt once prevented him from engaging in exercise. His journey since diagnosis, however, highlights the power of self-awareness combined with compassion, and the transformative role that the right support can play.
Diagnosis: A Turning Point
“The day I was told I had ADHD? One of the best days of my life.”
Like many late-diagnosed adults, Daley spent decades battling low self-esteem, inner conflict, and confusion.
“I’d lived the majority of my life with really poor self-esteem. But after my ADHD diagnosis, it was like, suddenly, I made sense.”
Discovering Dyspraxia
ADHD explained part of Daley’s story—but not all of it.
“I’d meet other people with ADHD and they were these amazing creative types or brilliant athletes. And I’d think, well that’s not me. I’ve got terrible fine motor skills. I always struggled with movement. So I went and got assessed for Dyspraxia too.”
The confirmation was life-changing. It explained his childhood struggles with sports and current challenges in team environments, while also helping him forgive himself.
“When I make a mistake now, I still get angry—I’m competitive!—but I can be more forgiving. I can remind myself, there’s a reason I find this hard.”
“Big Lad, Big Expectations”
Growing up tall and broad, Daley constantly faced assumptions about his sporting ability.
“I’m 6’5” and broad—so people just assumed I’d be brilliant at football. Or good in goal. Or great at jumping. But my brain doesn’t work like that. By the time I’ve processed what I need to do, the ball’s in the back of the net.”
Football remained a love of his, but it was never easy.
“I love football. But heading the ball? Forget it. Coordinating the timing—it just doesn’t happen.”
Humour in Struggle
Others didn’t always see the difficulty behind his efforts.
“Opposition teams would shout, ‘Mark the big man!’ at corners. I’d just laugh. If only they knew…”
Humour became one way Daley coped with the mismatch between expectation and reality.
The Role of Exercise
Lockdown shifted Daley’s relationship with sport. With football off the table, he turned to running.
“I hated running. Hated it. But during lockdown, I started going for jogs—just to get out. And one day I realised, I was enjoying it.”
Running gave him headspace and peace of mind. He even completed a half marathon in 2021, though motivation waned afterwards.
“As soon as I hit the goal, my brain said, ‘We’re done now.’ But I know I need it.”
He now trains with a neurodivergent-friendly personal trainer:
“She doesn’t just tell me what to do—she shows me. She listens. And when something’s hard for me, she helps me find another way.”
Living with Dyspraxia
For Daley, Dyspraxia has been the bigger challenge.
“It’s been a bigger issue than ADHD in terms of self-esteem. Because you start thinking you’re stupid. Or lazy. Or just not trying hard enough.”
Even within neurodivergent spaces, he hasn’t always felt understood.
“Sometimes I’ll mention my Dyspraxia and other people with ADHD will say, ‘Have you tried practising?’ It’s like—yeah, thanks. Never thought of that.”
Over time, Daley has learned to self-advocate:
“I’ll get this. I just need you to explain it a bit differently.”
Creating Change
Daley now channels his experiences into advocacy and leadership.
He co-chairs the national ADHD Alliance for police officers and staff, with over 500 members, and works closely with the National Police Autism Association and the Disabled Staff Association.
He regularly delivers training and pushes for greater neurodiversity awareness in policing.
“There’s no mention of neurodivergence in basic police training. None. So if someone says they have Dyspraxia during a safety briefing, people look at you like you’ve just made up a word.”
But he remains hopeful:
“Once people understand? They care. They want to help. And that’s what gives me hope.”
Final Thoughts
Daley says he’s still on the journey. He hasn’t got it all figured out. But he’s proud of how far he’s come, and he wants others to know they’re not alone.
“If you think you might be Dyspraxic—get assessed. If you can’t get assessed, speak to others who are. Learn what works for them. Learn to be kinder to yourself.”
“And don’t let past experiences stop you from trying something new. You’re probably better than you think you are.”
Follow Daley Jones on LinkedIn for more powerful, hilarious, and insightful reflections on neurodivergence, sport, and public service.
Key Takeaways for Neurodivergent Individuals
Not Bad at Sport
→ You may just need things taught differently.
It’s Not Your Fault
→ Struggles with movement or coordination aren’t a weakness—seek support and find what works.
Progress Over Perfection
→ Sport doesn’t have to be elite—exercise can be peace and progress.
Key Takeaways for Peers, Supporters, and Parents
Drop Assumptions
→ Don’t judge based on size, ability, or behaviour.
See the Hidden Barriers
→ Shame and embarrassment can hold people back—show empathy.
Explain Differently
→ Slowing down or rephrasing can change everything.
Key Takeaways for Coaches, Leaders, and Organisations
Awareness First
→ Understanding conditions like Dyspraxia opens doors to better communication.
Ask, Don’t Assume
→ Try: “How can I show this in a way that works for you?”
Adapt, Don’t Lower
→ Inclusion means adjusting methods so everyone can meet expectations.
Originally a recorded interview, this blog post was written by Caragh McMurtry. Subheadings were added by the Neurodiverse Sport team to support readability.
